Statement from Santa Clara Valley Water District Board Chair John L. Varela on Westlands Water District’s vote on the California WaterFix Project

September 20, 2017

Yesterday’s decision by Westlands Water District not to participate in the state’s proposed California WaterFix project changes the considerations that affect how Santa Clara County would participate.

Without Westlands, which is a major Central Valley Project contractor, the bulk of the project is left for State Water Project contractors. It’s too soon to tell what will become of the project now – whether it will be downsized, be left only to State Water Project contractors or some other change. As we evaluate what Westlands’ decision means for Santa Clara County, we will continue to be in touch with our colleagues throughout the state and to assess whether there is a viable future for the project.

Valley Water manages an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water, flood protection and stewardship of streams on behalf of Santa Clara County's 2 million residents. The district effectively manages 10 dams and surface water reservoirs, three water treatment plants, an advanced recycled water purification center, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, nearly 285 acres of groundwater recharge ponds and more than 294 miles of streams. We provide wholesale water and groundwater management services to local municipalities and private water retailers who deliver drinking water directly to homes and businesses in Santa Clara County.